RooseveltNeighborhood Guide

The Teddy Bear isn’t the only great thing that’s named after the wonderful Theodore Roosevelt; this neighborhood is, too! If that weren’t proof enough of its awesomeness, consider its central location, happening business district, and adorable houses the icing on the cake.

History

Roosevelt developed at the same time as nearby Ravenna, attracting residents as the University of Washington and Green Lake neighborhoods expanded. After Ravenna Park was built, President Roosevelt visited, and one of the landowner’s wives named the biggest tree in the park after him. The tree was cut down, but the name stuck around. The local high school also bears his name, as well as the main thoroughfare and one of the building developments.

Neighborhood Photos

Who Lives Here?

Urban Power Families - High-income couples with children.

Six-figure salaried couples with children who live an upscale life in a metro center. Highly educated professionals working in finance, medical, and high-tech fields.

Power Singles - High-income urban singles.

Highly educated professionals, many with advanced degrees. They draw a handsome salary and have reasonable living expenses while living a hip, upscale life in an urban center.

Bright Lights, Big City - Very mobile singles living in the city.

Singles ranging in age from early 20s to mid-40s who have moved to an urban setting. Most rent their apartment or condo. Some have a college education and work in services and the professional sector.

Roosevelt

Seattle

Median Household Income

$53,227

$45,736

Owners/Renters

45%/55%

48%/52%

Median Age

35

37

Single Males

27%

23%

Single Females

24%

19%

Homes With Kids

17%

18%

Household Size

2.1

2.1

Commute Time

27 min

27 min

Vibe

Roosevelt is a little peppier than Green Lake and Ravenna, and a little less so than the University District. The intersection of two busy streets—Roosevelt Way running north to south, and 65th Street running east to west—forms a lively business district. The surrounding blocks have a mix of newer apartments/condos and original homes from the early 1900s. It’s a great neighborhood to enjoy on its own and is centrally located to give you easy access to other parts of the city.

Activities and Attractions

It’s not hard to find something to do in Roosevelt. We like Rain City Burgers for their all-natural beef patties and yummy milkshakes. To go the true natural route, try Sunlight Café’s vegetarian menu—or just shop at Whole Foods! Casa Patron on 65th serves up decent Mexican grub, the buffet at India Bistro is definitely popular with the locals or opt for a savory pie at Pies and Pints farther up on 65th.
Roosevelt also has a unique concentration of high-end audio shops. I’m going to chalk this one up to the university nearby and a higher than average concentration of audiophiles in the area. If you want to blow a few paychecks on some sweet audio equipment, stores like Definitive Audio, speakerlab or Magnolia Audio Video will be happy to help.
Once you’ve stuffed yourself, do a little shopping at the many boutiques, consignment shops, and bookstores that are unique to the neighborhood. Finally, take a stroll through Cowen Park—you’ll be surprised at its size and how “away from it all” it feels there!
Roosevelt also has a small, yet fun bar scene with a little something for everyone. Most of them are easy going, laid back pubs, but the Scarlet Tree has live music/DJ and somewhat of a hip-hop scene. The Atlantic Crossing can get pretty rowdy during Sounders and EPL games, while Teddy’s is the one-stop shop for all sports TV games (plus they partner with Rain City to deliver burgers there directly).